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Bengaluru: Verbal and mental abuse remains a major problem for senior citizens in Bengaluru, officials at the Bengaluru Urban Elders Helpline confirm.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, the helpline saw a rise in formal written complaints from women about verbal abuse, to 73 from 43 the previous year.
Overall, the helpline noted more calls and walk-in complaints from women, said Swati Bhandary, associate director of Nightingale's Medical Trust.
"I do not believe this is an indicator of an increase in abuse faced by women. The atrocities have remained the same; it is just that more women are willing to speak up now," she told DH.
Last year, the helpline received 174 written complaints from women, covering verbal, mental, and physical abuse. Annually, the helpline receives between 13,000 to 15,000 complaints via calls and walk-in visits: however, only about 300 results in written complaints.
Most complaints, irrespective of gender, involve abuse by family members regarding property and finance. Over the past three years, cases of abuse and harassment by sons, daughters-in-law, or both remain the highest, Swati said. This is followed by cases involving non-family members like neighbours.
"In cases where possible, we try to involve elders and family members for counselling," Swati stated, adding that three to four sessions typically achieve resolution.
When counselling is not an option, police intervention is advised. The past year saw 90 cases referred to the police, and 55 to the Lok Adalat.
New legal advisor on board
In 2024, the Elders Helpline hired a full-time, free legal advisor. Between April 2024 and March 2025, 139 cases, mainly concerning abuse and lack of care, required legal assistance.
Increasing mental health issues
City-based psychologists are observing a rise in mental health issues among the elderly.
In 2025, clinical psychologist Gayathri N has taken on 13 patients, aged between 65 and 75.
"This is surprising as, in 2023 and 2024, I only had about four to six senior citizens as patients. More elders are now walking in with concerns about depression and anxiety," she told DH.
Psychotherapist and counsellor Kala Balasubramanian has also noted an increase in visits by senior citizens dealing with loneliness and depression.
Reach out
Elders helpline
1090/080-23352833
Elder Line (Karnataka)
14567